Senior R&D Grant & Bid Writer (AI / Deep Tech)

📸 Job Snapshot:

🤝 Agreement: Half-time / B2B Contract / Freelance

📆 Type of employment: Part-time (Flexible)

📍 Location: Bristol, United Kingdom

🏢 Work model: Hybrid

🕣 Working hours: Flexible

🏃‍♂️ Start: ASAP

📏 Length: Long-term

English: Fluent

👀 Vacancies: 1

A note on flexibility: This position is ideal for professionals with existing commitments (e.g., at a university or research institution) seeking a high-impact, flexible role that accommodates their current responsibilities. (A standard check for conflicts of interest will apply.)

About SKY ENGINE AI

At SKY ENGINE AI, we are pioneering the Synthetic Data Cloud, a generative AI platform that solves the critical “data bottleneck“ in Vision AI. By leveraging hyperspectral ray tracing and proprietary rendering engines, we simulate perfectly labeled, multi-modal data (RGB, NIR, Thermal, Radar) to empower AI to see and reason safely.

In collaboration with NVIDIA and Microsoft, we drive innovation across high-stakes sectors. We help automotive OEMs meet the strict 2026 EU regulations for In-Cabin Monitoring while advancing medical imaging, healthcare AI, and robotics. Our technology enables 40x faster AI model development and ensures full GDPR compliance, positioning us at the forefront of the Deep Tech revolution.

We are expanding our R&D operations and seeking a motivated, experienced Senior R&D Grant & Bid Writer to help us secure UK government and EU research and development funding to support our deep-tech roadmap.

What We Offer

A flexible, part-time role with competitive compensation.
The opportunity to collaborate with leading AI researchers and partners (including Microsoft and NVIDIA).
Involvement in cutting-edge innovation in synthetic data, simulation intelligence, and AI for healthcare and robotics.
A mission-driven, dynamic start-up environment where your work directly supports real-world impact.

Role Overview

We have an ambitious R&D roadmap and have already identified a strategic pipeline of high-value UK and EU grants. We are looking for an expert to take ownership of this pipeline, refine it, and lead the execution of winning proposals.

The successful candidate will lead the full proposal lifecycle, from strategy to submission, focusing on the specific, high-impact programmes that match our “deep tech” profile.

Key Responsibilities

Execute a Strategic Funding Roadmap: Take ownership of our grant pipeline, prioritizing and executing on key opportunities to fund our R&D.
Lead UK Grant Submissions: Lead the full proposal lifecycle for high-value UK grants, specifically targeting Biomedical Catalyst, Innovate UK competitions (e.g., ADOPT Industrial Digital Technologies, Agentic AI calls), and related R&D funds.
Develop & Manage EU Strategy: Develop our EU funding strategy, with a primary focus on EIC Accelerator (as a solo SME) and strategically building consortia for Horizon Europe and Digital Europe Programme calls.
Translate “Deep Tech“ to “Funder Value“: Collaborate intensively with our R&D team and leadership to translate complex technical concepts (AI, simulation, robotics) into compelling, funder-focused narratives.
Build & Manage Consortia: (For EU grants) Actively identify, vet, and liaise with academic and industrial partners to build winning consortia.
Manage Post-Award Compliance: Oversee post-award reporting, budgeting, and communication with funding bodies to ensure full compliance.

Requirements

A Portfolio of Verifiable Wins: A proven track record of securing R&D funding from Innovate UK or Horizon Europe (must serve as lead writer or coordinator).
Deep Tech Fluency: The ability to rapidly understand 'deep tech' concepts (AI, machine learning, robotics) and articulate their "Impact" and "Innovation" (TRLs).
Strategic & Independent: A proactive, self-managing individual who can handle the entire process from strategy to submission.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience securing funding from our primary strategic targets: Biomedical Catalyst, the EIC Accelerator, or specialized AI competitions (e.g., ADOPT, Agentic AI).
A background in AI, machine learning, computer vision, robotics, or related scientific disciplines.
Existing, active connections within the UK or EU innovation ecosystems (universities, research centres, partner companies).
Proven experience in building and managing collaborative projects with academic and industrial partners.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a brief Funding Portfolio.

Equal Opportunities Statement SKY ENGINE AI is an equal opportunity employer. We particularly welcome applications from individuals returning to the workforce or seeking flexible work arrangements.

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Senior R&D Grant & Bid Writer (AI / Deep Tech)

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